Customer Reviews

Gardner Bender GFI-501A Ground Fault Receptacle Tester and Circuit Analyzer

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

i would just like to correct the description of this product in that it does not overload the circuit to test a gfci receptacle. Overloading the circuit would trip the overcurrent protection device (i.e. circuit breaker). A gfci does not provide overcurrent protection, it provides protection against ground faults... and that is what this tester would do to test a gcfi; insinuate a ground fault to test the ground fault protection.

This tester takes the guess work out of installing house wiring. It helps me check my work and diagnose problems with existing wiring. I like the simple "light up" indicators with the explaination marked right on the tester. That pinpoints any problems immediately, and it hasn't been wrong yet. Saves great amounts of time and agrivation. Thanks, Amazon!

I do apartment make ready/maintaince work so ease of use is important. The best thing is the instant feedback I get from it. I know where to go to correct the problem, if there is one. Safety is also important because of the danger of electrical shock hazards associated with electrical outlets in bathrooms. I highly recommend this tool to both the pro and do-it-yourselfers. IT IS A MUST HAVE TOOL WITH ME.

This is a nice little tester, and is compact and easy to carry.

I plug this into every outlet after I've done any wiring work with it to double-check that I didn't miswire it. Also, sometimes when cramming an outlet back into a tight fitting box, a wire will get disconnected. This will identify that immediately.

A disconnected ground wire will generally not stop something from working when it is plugged in, but could increase the chance of electrical shock. Crossed hot and neutral lines will also not stop the item from working, but, again, can increase the risk of shock.

Don't take chances -- test them.

It is very common for additional outlets to be wired to a single GFCI "downstream" of the main one. This allows a single GFCI outlet to protect multiple, non-GFCI equipped outlets in the same area.

The test button built into all GFCI outlets (required by code) will test the mechanism in that single outlet, but is not as useful for testing outlets that are wired downstream from the GFCI. They will turn off when the main GFCI is tripped, but then you have to test them for power when the GFCI is both on and off to make sure they are properly wired, which is a real time waster and is not as comprehensive.

So, make sure you get a tester with a ground fault button to check GFCI circuits. Not all testers like this have one, and it is worth the modest extra cost.

The little black button fell off of mine, though I can still press it with a fingernail. So, minus one star for that, but otherwise a very nice little unit for quick tests.

Sean P. Logue, 2008

I'm a do-it-yourselfer who bought this for help in rewiring sockets. It's extremely handy and easy-to-use. It's worth having this in addition to a simple current detector. My first step in replacing an outlet is to plug this device in first to see if the current wiring is correct.

Not much to say about it outside it works just fine for the job I need it for.

GFCI outlets greatly reduce the danger of accidental shock or electrocution, and are required by NEC code in all outdoor areas, Kitchens, Baths, Workshops, Garages and any locations near water.

The electrical system in my house is circa 1980s and is a little screwy; GFCI outlets were not installed by the builder in NEC required locations like the bathrooms and the kitchen. I have been installing new GFCI outlets to correct these deficiencies, and bring the house up to current code. Having a GFCI tester is an essential tool to ensure that I have correctly wired the outlet, and most importantly to ensure that it will work. I have used this tester many times and it works great!

A well made ground fault receptacle tester that does the job at an excellent price. Would purchase again at the price I was charged.